Impromptu distribution on the shores of Lake Hippo

n The fishermen at Hippopotamus Lake who were given Bible Portions by Bible Society distributors

Focus on Burkina Faso: reports and photographs by freelance photojournalist Geoffrey Stamp

BURKINA FASO — The distribution team from the Bible Society had stopped their vehicle on the shore of Hippopotamus Lake, in the west of Burkina Faso. They had just given some free Portions to a friendly group of fishermen and watched with delight as the men sat and started to read them. Although they were in French and not Bobo, their first language, the fishermen were extremely pleased to have something to read.

“These fishermen are stuck out here far away from their village and homes, and sometimes they stay here near the hippo lake for a whole week,” Paul Ilboudo, Executive Secretary of the Bible Society, explained. “I am excited to think what effect the audio New Testament in Bobo will have on them. We would normally provide a set of cassettes only to the local pastor, but I think in this case – exceptionally – we would consider giving these fishermen a set. From past experience, I am sure they would find a means of playing the cassettes and work their way through the whole New Testament.”

The team gave some of the fishermen a lift back to their village, Bala. As they waited for them to climb down and unload their bicycles, another distribution opportunity presented itself. A crowd of youngsters old enough to enjoy New Reader Portions gathered around the Bible Society vehicle. One young lad, clutching a Scripture Portion in his hand, ran excitedly to his house to show his mother. “I’ve got a book! I’ve got a book!” he shouted while she stood laughing at him.